Loi (Loy) Krathong (ลอยกระทง) also known as the 'Festival of Lights', is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand.
This festival takes place according to the Thai lunar calendar. During the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, it will be a nationwide celebration.
IMAGE: KKDay.
The meaning of Loi Krathong.
In Thai, the word Loi means ‘float’ and Krathong means ‘container, boat, or vessel’. It is pretty much self-explanatory.
The Krathong is usually made from the cellulose trunk of a banana tree, bread, or Styrofoam.
Folks will release the Krathong decorated with banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and candles onto the water and watch it float away.
The significance behind this act is to get rid of all your misfortunes and negativity, and float them away — leading to a fresh start ahead of a new year.
This allows people to purify their minds and lighten the soul.
It is also a time for the Thai folks to pay respect to the Goddess of Water and the Buddha.
A celebration of gratitude.
Originating from the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, Loi Krathong had become a tradition over 800 years ago.
The festival combines Hindu and Buddhist customs. It is celebrated to pay respect to and thank the Goddess of Water (Pra Mae Khongkha) for a year's worth of her abundant supply.
It was also a time to seek an apology for polluting the waters as well as paying respect to the Buddha.
It is also believed that the festival's roots are associated with Nang Noppamas, a revered concubine of the Sukhothai King.
Nang Noppamas designed a lotus-shaped float adorned with miniature bird figures, which became the inspiration for the Krathong.
IMAGE: Vasilis Stergiou.
One festival, different province, different vibe.
As a widely celebrated cultural festival, some provinces take it to another level.
As Thailand's first ancient capital, Sukhothai takes this festival into serious account. Because of its status as the birthplace of the festival, the town will rejoice for at least 5 days straight.
In Chang Mai, it is a celebration of two festivals in one. Loi Krathong coincides with Yi (Yee) Peng Festival, a lantern festival widely celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially Chang Mai, to mark the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the cool season.
The highlight of this festival is the release of paper lanterns, known as "khom loi", into the night sky.
This act is believed to bring good luck and symbolize the release of worries and negative elements, while also making merit or offering prayers to deities or ancestors.
The capital city of Bangkok has its own way of celebrating Loi Krathong as well. During the festival, many events will take place on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Another unique way to experience Loi Krathong is in Phuket where the festival is much more laid-back.
Instead of rivers, lakes, and canals, Krathongs are released into the sea. The festival is celebrated on all waterways and beaches including Patong Beach and Nai Harn Beach.
Would you grab the opportunity to feast on the scenery?
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